Me [28F] with my exboyfriend [28M] of 5 1/2 years, we broke up and I am a hot mess

I have been through a very similar experience, and I can tell you for certain that it gets better IF you allow yourself to move on. Do not play with the idea that you two can get back together. Do not allow yourself to believe that. Know for certain that it is over and it will never happen again with him. It will be make the early stages a lot harder. You'll feel depressed, alone, hopeless, and incredibly sad. You'll want to be with him. You'll want to cry on his shoulder. You'll want all of these things. But do not ever allow yourself to be hopeful of the idea of getting back together. Once you cut off contact, DO NOT TALK TO HIM AGAIN UNTIL YOU ARE COMLETELY OVER HIM. This is very important. Get through this period of grief and you'll see yourself healthy and strong in a few weeks or months time. You won't have to later learn that you were lying to yourself to get through the grief because you were honest the whole time. You won't be hung up on him or still thinking of him a year down the line. This is the most important thing to know when getting over someone. Let yourself feel all of that pain early on.

Also, start focusing on yourself. Focus on your career. Don't drop out of school entirely if you can. I'm sure you'll have to take less classes but try your best to keep your career moving. It might make things more difficult for the time being but you'll be happy you did down the road. Another thing - stay close with your friends. If you don't have close friends, go out and make some. They help a lot during these times.

You can get though this break up. You'll be fine. Just allow yourself to grieve. Don't push it inside. Focus on yourself completely and you will be a happy and healthy woman in no time. I know the pain you're experiencing, so you are not alone in this

/r/relationships Thread